HAVING put ourselves in a strong position in three competitions, we find ourselves now with the play-offs as our main focus, unless Guildford start dropping points in the league.

It was good to get back to winning ways last Wednesday against Slough but unfortunately the tied aggregate score took us into overtime and penalties and we missed out on a place in the final of the EPL Cup.

For whatever reason, maybe tiredness or nerves, we played a scrappy first period and conceded an early goal. We pulled back after the interval and then had a number of powerplay opportunities.

In the NHL, coaches reckon that on average teams will convert one powerplay out of five and kill four out of five when defending. Slough’s strong defence earned them a place in the final.

We then hosted Sheffield and a bad week got worse.

Once again, we came out very flat and our visitors took an early lead. Somehow we got sucked into their physical style.

Jaroslav Cesky and a Sheffield player were given game penalties and later Joe Miller was ejected from the game for a high stick offence.

Both of these players are part of our first line powerplay unit and we failed to convert a number of powerplays. When we did have a chance of scoring, we either hit the pipes or the Sheffield ’keeper came up with great saves.

We also lost Alex Symonds during the game with a bruised knee. We’ve been playing short-benched for a long time now and it has taken its toll, physically and mentally.

We must take the remaining fixtures game by game and try to build some form as we look towards the play-offs.

We share the fans’ disappointment – but I know we can count on your support on Saturday. See you then.